Tel Aviv, Feb 25 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to Israel, marking his first trip to the nation since 2017. In a heartfelt welcome, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his spouse, Sara Netanyahu, greeted PM Modi at Ben Gurion Airport.

The two leaders embraced warmly, symbolizing the strong camaraderie and friendship that has elevated the bilateral relationship significantly over the past decade.

During his stay, PM Modi is set to engage in discussions with Netanyahu, meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, deliver a speech at the Knesset, and participate in several other activities.

His previous visit in 2017 paved the way for enhanced cooperation in defense, agriculture, and water management between the two nations. Netanyahu had also warmly received PM Modi at the airport during that trip.

In his remarks prior to departure on Wednesday, PM Modi expressed his eagerness for the upcoming engagements aimed at bolstering collaboration across various sectors, as well as addressing regional and global challenges.

"India and Israel enjoy a strong and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has demonstrated remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years. I anticipate productive discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu focused on further enhancing our cooperation in fields such as science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defense and security, trade and investment, and cultural exchanges," he stated.

Additionally, PM Modi will have the honor of being the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset, an event he noted would pay tribute to the robust parliamentary and democratic ties between the two countries.

The Prime Minister also looks forward to engaging with members of the Indian diaspora, who have long fostered the unique friendship between India and Israel.

"I am confident that my State Visit will further strengthen the lasting ties between our nations, establish new objectives for our Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative, and prosperous future," PM Modi added.

On Sunday, PM Modi acknowledged Netanyahu’s personal homage during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, where the Israeli Prime Minister referred to him as a "dear friend" and celebrated the visit as a pivotal moment in bilateral relations.

In response to a video shared by Netanyahu on X, PM Modi said, "Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding the bond between India and Israel, as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India values its enduring friendship with Israel, founded on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and progress. I look forward to our discussions during my upcoming visit to Israel."

Netanyahu, in the video, characterized PM Modi’s visit as a historic occasion, emphasizing the strength of the India-Israel alliance.

He also articulated a vision for creating a broader "axis of nations" in the Middle East, comprising like-minded countries united against radical forces and dedicated to stability, security, and technological progress.

Highlighting his personal connection with PM Modi, Netanyahu mentioned their frequent dialogues and mutual visits, referring to the Indian leader as not merely a partner but a "personal friend".

Detailing PM Modi's itinerary in Israel, Netanyahu remarked, "On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be here. He will address the Knesset, and I am sure everyone will be present. We will also host an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together. Furthermore, I want to emphasize a special collaboration. We will advance cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum technologies. I mention AI and quantum not as a future possibility but as a current reality, and we aspire to be among the leading nations globally in these fields."